THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE by Anne Tyler

Finished We 8/15/12

This might be "The Beginner's Guide to Anne Tyler" as it is not nearly as satisfying as most of her classic novels, and only offers a rudimentary over-view of  her remarkable narrative powers.


Aaron Woolcot- 6'4" tall. Slight paralysis on right side of body.Needs cane for walking. Racquetball player?
Dorothy (Rosales) Woolcot-Short, stocky, 8 years older than Aaron. Mexican descent.
Nandina- Aaron's older sister; very tall and slightly domineering.
Irene Lance-works with Aaron at his vanity press. She's elegant.
Peggy-works as the office secretary for the vanity press. She's round, pudgy, and a 'girly-girl'.
Nate and Luke-Friends of Aaron's. Luke owns a restaurant and his wife is the chef.
Gil Bryan- Partner in Bryan Brothers General Contractors. Really is in business with his cousin.
Wyndhurst is the section just north of Baltimore where the Woolcot's lived


My post at Good Reads-

I am a huge fan of Anne Tyler, and I was a bit disappointed with THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE. However, the novel is a fine exploration of grief , and does render an honest reflection on a lost relationship, but it doesn't come close to Tyler's stellar novels like ST. MAYBE, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST , or LADDER OF YEARS. 

In THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE, Aaron Woolcot has lost his wife, Dorthy, in a freak accident, and several weeks after her death, she begins to 'visit' him as he grapples with his bereavement. This is not a 'ghost story', but this quasi-paranormal story-line allows Aaron to confront Dorothy for just a few more times so that he can finally appreciate what they had and learn to accept what they lacked. And, this realization allows Aaron to grow, and move on in his life.

Although the novel 'worked for me', I couldn't really accept the character of Aaron. He seemed much too old for his actual years, and there is no way that this man with his physical disability could be a racket-ball enthusiast.
However, I still love Anne Tyler, and I see this novel as more of a, "The Beginner's Guide to Anne Tyler".

This was the July 2012 selection for The Contemporary Book Club, Springfield, IL.